Current Status of Round-Robin Testing of Oxygen Content in Bearing Steels

The results of round-robin testing for oxygen content are presented. These results represent 3 standards and 12 unknowns, analyzed by 16 international laboratories and institutions. The procedures for analysis methods were detailed by ASTM E03, Subcommittee E03.01, Proposed Method for the Determination of Oxygen in Steel and in Iron, Nickel and Cobalt Alloys, Draft No. 12, 29 April 1986. Statistical analysis of data is presented. The results show that reliable and reproducible oxygen analyses can be obtained from bearing steels by using proper procedures and commercially available analysis equipment.